**Trump Calls for Free Passage Through Suez Canal**
On April 27, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump conveyed his belief that American vessels should be granted free access through both the Panama and Suez Canals. In a statement made on his platform, Truth Social, President Trump argued that both commercial and military ships from the United States deserve this exemption. He ascribes the existence of these crucial maritime routes significantly to the U.S. involvement.
President Trump has delegated Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address the matter urgently. The President has previously indicated a desire for the U.S. to regain more influence over these strategic routes, highlighting their historical significance to the country’s economic and military strategies.
The Suez Canal, completed in 1869, connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. It was originally controlled by French investors and the Egyptian government, with Britain later investing in the canal’s operations. Recent years have seen a decline in its utility for global trade due to geopolitical tensions and disruptions, notably by Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, prompting shipping companies to often reroute around Africa’s southern tip. Egypt reported a 60% drop in canal revenues last year. The U.S. military has been engaged in operations targeting Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen since January 2024, actions that have intensified following Trump’s inauguration.
This development underscores the ongoing complexities of international trade routes and the geopolitical dynamics influencing them.